Pesto sauce

Pesto sauce is a fragrant paste made from a mixture of chopped basil leaves, nuts, garlic, salt, and cheese, seasoned with olive oil. This emerald-hued Italian seasoning can enhance both everyday menus and festive dishes. Pesto sauce is also quick and easy to prepare!

 

 

 

 

We’ll tell you more about pesto sauce and the dishes it’s used with. Find original recipes here.

 

Where was Pesto Sauce Invented?

 

The famous pesto sauce originates from the northern Italian city of Genoa. Locals are rightfully proud of their delicious invention and know many recipes using the green sauce. According to some historical sources, Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian military leader and politician, used pesto pasta to attract many supporters to the national liberation organization by feeding it to his voters.

 

 

The first documented evidence of pesto sauce production dates back to the 19th century. But the Genoese themselves claim that the original seasoning was known as far back as Ancient Roman times. One can only agree, as any argument with a Genoese on this topic can end in a nasty argument and eternal resentment. A likely prototype for modern pesto may also be the simple garlic sauce that Italian housewives prepared for family dinners in the Middle Ages. Later, they began to prepare a sauce from a mixture of olive oil and basil leaves, which they had in abundance.

 

Be that as it may, pesto sauce, thanks to its excellent flavor, can perfectly complement many main dishes. Italians themselves consider it a good tradition to invariably include pesto in every wedding menu. To this day, dishes featuring this sauce are considered the symbol of a truly luxurious table.

 

How to Make the Perfect Classic Pesto Sauce

 

 

Classic Italian pesto sauce is prepared in a marble mortar. The secret of this authentic sauce lies in the amazing combination of two main ingredients: olive oil and basil.

 

To make this classic Italian sauce, you’ll need a wooden or marble mortar and pestle, a blender, and the following ingredients:

 

• Green basil – 50 grams
• Olive oil – 100 ml
• Garlic – 2-3 cloves
• Pine nuts – 70 grams
• Parmesan cheese – 70 grams
• Salt to taste

 

Peel the pine nuts and lightly toast them in a frying pan. Then crush them in a mortar and pestle, then grate the Parmesan cheese. In a blender, combine the nuts, cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil. It’s best if the mixture is mixed in evenly, with small pieces of basil and nuts. The sauce is ready!

 

It can be stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place the sauce in the freezer.

 

Helpful Tips for Cooking with Pesto Sauce

 

 

Italians most often use pesto sauce with various types of pasta, but it also pairs well with vegetables, salads, lasagna, and meat dishes. It also pairs well with crackers, sandwiches, and pizza. Even familiar dumplings and potato pancakes will sparkle with new flavors when added to pesto. Experienced cooks also recommend trying it with fish dishes, as the sauce wonderfully brings out the flavor of fish fillets. Adding a vegetable salad as a side dish creates a unique and filling dinner.

 

It’s worth noting that there are no exact proportions for the sauce; everyone depends on their own preferences. However, the ingredients are almost always the same, and this is what gives pesto its unique and inimitable flavor. It’s also important to note that green basil should never be substituted for red basil, that only hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, should be used, and that pine nuts can be replaced with hazelnuts or almonds. By experimenting with different pesto sauce variations, you’ll eventually find the perfect combination of ingredients. But if you’re short on time or afraid to experiment, you can always find a ready-made classic pesto sauce with a proven recipe and guaranteed high quality.

 

Pesto Recipes

 

This healthy dressing is packed with vitamins and complements a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few simple yet delicious dishes with pesto sauce.

 

 

Pasta with Chicken

 

Prepare the following ingredients:

 

• Chicken thighs – 2
• Pesto sauce – 100 grams
• Fettuccine pasta – 300 grams
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Parmesan cheese – 50 grams
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Then drain it in a colander and prepare the chicken. Remove the bones, cut into cubes, and fry in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the pesto sauce and cooked fettuccine. Stir and simmer for a few more minutes.

 

When serving, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Classic Spaghetti with Pesto Sauce

 

 

Spaghetti with pesto sauce is one of the classic dishes of Italian cuisine. According to nutritionists, regular consumption of this sauce won’t harm your figure thanks to its amazing properties that improve digestion.

 

To prepare this simple dish, you’ll only need a package of spaghetti pasta, a jar of pesto sauce, and grated hard cheese.

 

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions and drain in a colander to remove excess liquid. Place the spaghetti on a serving platter, top with pesto sauce, and sprinkle with grated cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

 

Vegetable Stew with Pesto Sauce

 

 

In this delicious dish, pesto sauce perfectly complements the flavorful stew of fresh, seasoned vegetables.

 

Key Ingredients:

 

• Zucchini – 2
• Potatoes – 300 grams
• Bell pepper – 1
• White beans – 1 can
• Carrots – 2
• Tomatoes – 3
• Onion – 1
• Pesto Sauce
• Sage, thyme, bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

In a large cast-iron saucepan, heat the olive oil with the bay leaf. Add the halved garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, sage, and onion. Simmer for a few minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop the carrots and potatoes. Add them to the saucepan in layers. Next, layer the sliced ​​bell peppers, zucchini, and beans, then top with the tomatoes. Season each layer with salt and pepper.

 

Add a few tablespoons of water. Cook over low heat for 40-60 minutes. Before serving, pour pesto sauce over the finished stew and garnish with fresh basil sprigs.

 

Tuna Salad with Pesto Sauce

 

 

Pesto salads can be made every day. Many recipes are suitable for a light snack or a full lunch or dinner. We suggest making a simple and easy tuna and Adyghe cheese salad.

 

Ingredients:

 

• Adyghe cheese – 150 grams
• Cherry tomatoes – 250 grams
• Canned tuna – 1 can
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp.
• Pesto sauce
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste

 

Place the tuna in a deep bowl. Dice the Adyghe cheese and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Dress with pesto sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of your favorite seasoning. Gently toss and garnish with basil leaves. Enjoy!

 

Don’t be afraid to explore new flavors!